How it Works

COVID Health and Safety Precautions

As we continue to face the COVID-19 health crisis, we are doing everything we can to keep our clients and ourselves safe and healthy.

Studio Precautions:

I am vaccinated and boosted.
I wear a mask while in the studio with my clients.
The Studio is equipped with a Coway Mighty HEPA air purifier.
Studio sessions are limited to two bookings per day, which are spaced apart to allow time to clean the studio and purify air.

Client Precautions:

All clients entering the studio must wear a properly fitted mask covering the nose and mouth while in the studio. (no face shields, Gaiter neck fleeces, or masks with valves/vents). Clients who are not fully vaccinated (including up to date booster), we ask that you wear a NIOSH certified N95 or KF94 mask, which we can be provided by request.
Only one client permitted in the studio at a time, unless agreed upon at the time the session is scheduled. No children are permitted in the studio.
Clients must confirm their session by answering a Covid screening questionnaire at least 24 hours prior to their session.

We appreciate your support as we endeavor to provide you with quality portraits while keeping everyone safe and healthy.

THE PROCESS

BOOK YOUR SESSION

The booking process starts with a pre-session questionnaire. This helps me learn more about your dog and what to expect when working with them. A studio session is not right for every dog, so we can also help determine if a studio session with Green Paws Photography is right for your dog and if so, what type of session will work best. Once I learn what will work best for your dog, you will then choose your session date from several upcoming spots available that meet your needs.

Once the date is chosen, you will receive a portrait agreement electronically to review and sign, along with your invoice for the session fee. Payment may be made by credit card, Paypal, or Venmo. Upon receipt of the signed agreement and session fee, your date is secured. See below for tips on preparing for your session.

THE SESSION

We begin by taking the time to let your dog relax and get to know the space. I work with controlled studio lighting as well as simple props and backdrops. The focus is on your dog having a wonderful and relaxing portrait experience, so they can shine. We work at a pace that suits your dog and take frequent little breaks to make sure your dog doesn't get tired or stressed. When I am working with your dog, it is important that the client not distract them, by calling their name, giving commands, or otherwise diverting their attention. If your dog doesn't have a solid stay, I may incorporate your help, but otherwise, it's best if you sit back and relax while I do my thing! Don't worry, I don't expect them to sit and listen all the time. I want them to stay relaxed and not feel restricted, so don't worry if it looks like your dog is not cooperating, it's all part of the process. :-)

Please note: Studio portrait sessions are not suited to all dogs. Dogs that are very nervous or startle easily may not do well in a studio session. Please request a no-obligation consultation, if you would like to discuss whether a studio session is right for your dog.

PREVIEW AND ORDERING APPOINTMENT

Ordering appointments will be scheduled approximately 1 to 2 weeks after the session. This is the time when you see all your final images and make decisions on your portrait order. Currently ordering appointments are being done virtually via Zoom. We’ll help you sort through the images and make final decisions on what will look best with your decor and what fits your needs and budget. Specializing in custom fine art Eco-friendly products, we take the guesswork out of choosing ethically and environmentally sustainable products. We have carefully selected the perfect product line that balances Eco-minded art with exceptional heirloom quality. To learn more about our product line, check out the Products page . We will work with you to choose your custom artwork, so you won't be overwhelmed with options. It is a good idea to consider your budget before the viewing appointment, so that we can help you make the most of it when choosing products that are right for you. For wall art, we recommend that you take some time to consider where the art will hang and the size of the wall space. We also encourage you to send a picture of the wall space ahead of your appointment (please ask for instructions in doing so).

YOUR ARTWORK

In about 4-6 weeks your order will be ready for pickup (2-4 weeks for prints, up to 6 weeks for handcrafted items). Then it's time to enjoy your artwork and let it bring a smile to your face each and every day!

PREPARING FOR YOUR SESSION

IMPORTANT. For the weeks approaching your session, work with your dog on sit/stay/down commands. Use positive reinforcement and practice daily in short intervals (10-15 minutes). Training sessions need to be fun, so when the time comes for your dog to use those skills, they are relaxed and confident. To get the best results, your dog needs to have a few basic commands mastered, including sit and stay. Intermediate or advanced training is not necessary.
Bring your dog to the session a little tired and a little hungry. Plan to exercise your dog BEFORE the session. Just enough exercise to alleviate any over-excitement, but not so much that they are worn out for the session. Do this a few hours before the session to avoid excessive panting and drooling. Also, don’t feed your dog a full meal before a shoot; otherwise they will be less alert and more in the mood for a nap. If your dog is low energy or senior, exercise prior to the session is not necessary.
OUTSIDE FOOD OR TREATS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE STUDIO. I provide healthy homemade treats as part of your portrait experience. Please let me know if your dog has any allergies or diet restrictions.
Please be sure your dog is clean and brushed. Dogs shed more the day following a bath, so be sure to bathe them at least a two days prior to session, so their coat has time to settle and they can have loose fur brushed out the day before session. You know how your dog will look his or her best, but if you do choose to have your dog trimmed, we recommend you have that done a week before the sitting rather than a day or two prior in case the cut is too short, or not exactly what you expected. This allows a little time to grow out. A grooming and portrait session on the same day can be a lot of stress for many dogs, so try to avoid that as well.
If your dog has fur that grows or hangs over their eyes, you will want to either have it trimmed to allow their eyes to be seen, or have a clip or beret to hold it back. For a portrait to have impact, you want to connect with the subject and that is done through the eyes.
IMPORTANT: Please be sure to trim your dog's nails to avoid any scratches or damage to furniture, props, or flooring.
Feel free to bring a toy or two that your dog loves! If your dog is highly toy or ball obsessed, it is best to skip those.
Your tone of voice and body language translate very effectively to your dog and their mood. The photographer may ask you to assist during your session. If doing so, please remember to use compassionate authority. Never discipline or yell at your dog during a session, this will only increase their anxiety. With soothing talk, positive reinforcement and patient repetition, your dog will eventually figure out what we want them to do.
In the weeks leading up to your session, we also recommend exposing your dog to unique experiences. This is especially important if they do not like car rides, or only go in the car when visiting the vet or groomer. The more exposure they get to novel experiences, the more comfortable they will be in the studio.
We understand that some dogs have special needs; anxiety, fear of new things, nervousness/timidity, etc. Please make us aware of any issues your dog may have so that we can be sensitive to those concerns. You may want to schedule a studio visit prior to your session, so your dog gets to know the space and photographer ahead of time.
PLEASE NOTE: Some dogs can be sensitive to the small popping sound made by the studio lights and some can become anxious about the camera itself. Most dogs are not bothered by it or get used to it very quickly, but some become stressed and fearful. In some cases, the dog just will not tolerate the studio experience. If your dog becomes stressed or fearful, we will need to end the session. Your session may qualify for a partial refund in the event that your dog cannot complete a session. If you are concerned about how your dog will do, please request a no-obligation consultation.

We want you and your dog to enjoy the experience and get wonderful pieces of art for your home!

Austin Dog Photographer | Award-Winning Photographer

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